Types Of Baby Eczema

As a parent, you would always want your baby to remain in the pink of health. This makes you go the extra mile to protect your child from any type of medical conditions and diseases. But sometimes, even your best efforts can fall short, and your baby can develop certain unwanted conditions. One such condition is baby eczema. While it may leave you upset and worried, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that it can be controlled. But first, let’s understand what baby eczema is.

What is Baby Eczema?

Eczema in babies is a condition that causes the skin to become itchy, dry, red, and inflamed. Often eczema affects babies for the first time before they turn two years of age. Most children outgrow eczema before they step into their teens. Though eczema has no cure, you can control it with proper treatment. This is not a contagious skin condition.

What Causes Eczema in Babies?

The exact cause of eczema remains unknown. However, a combination of genetic factors and environmental triggers are believed to play a role in the development of this skin condition in babies.

• If there is a family history of eczema, allergy, or asthma, a baby can be prone to developing the condition.
• Certain allergens like pollen, food, dust, or pet dander can trigger eczema. Even irritants like stress, rough fabric, heat, detergents, shampoos, and chemicals in soaps can result in eruptions and eczema in babies.

Symptoms of Eczema in Babies

The symptoms of baby eczema include patches of dry, flaky, itchy, and reddened skin. The red patches can have tiny blisters that may ooze fluids. Among the areas most affected by eczema in babies are the face, skin behind the ears, hands, and creases of elbows, knees, and neck.

What Are the Common Types of Eczema in Babies?

The common types of eczema that affects babies are the following:

Atopic Eczema

Considered to be the most common eczema type; Atopic eczema is often hereditary. In this category of eczema, the body’s immune system reacts to triggers that generally cause no harm, such as dust mites, certain food items, and fragrances.

Seborrhoeic Eczema

Also known as cradle cap, this type of eczema often occurs in parts of the body where oil glands are present in plenty, like the scalp. Seborrhoeic eczema can also affect ears, face, neck, armpits, inside the elbows, and behind the knees. The condition results in the oil glands becoming inflamed and forming thick, yellow crusts.

Discoid Eczema

Though Discoid eczema is more common in teenagers and adults, babies can also suffer from this type of eczema. In this condition, eczema takes the form of coin-shaped discs. Initially, the discs are bumpy, but they soon turn itchy and the chances of infection increase. Once the discs are cleared, the skin becomes flaky and dry.

Pompholyx Eczema

This type of eczema mainly impacts the hands and the feet and results in awfully itchy blisters. Sometimes Pompholyx eczema can also cause a prickling and burning sensation on the baby’s skin.

What to Do If You Suspect Symptoms of Eczema in Your Baby?

If you suspect that your child is suffering from baby eczema, consult your pediatrician immediately. Your pediatrician will be able to carry out a diagnosis and develop a course of action to control  the skin condition and bring relief to your baby.

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